Game #24: St. Louis Blues vs. New York Rangers Open Thread

The Rangers return to Madison Square Garden after closing out a disheartening road trip with a loss to the Utah Mammoth. That's four in a row the Rangers have lost as the team continues to look discouraging. Fortunately, the St. Louis Blues aren't the toughest opponent and have had their struggles this season.

The Blueshirts will once again be without captain J.T. Miller, and his buddy Vincent Trocheck missed morning skate and is a game-time decision. After Jonathon Quick got hurt in Utah, Dylan Garand was called up to back up Igor Shesterkin, who gets the start tonight. Along with Garand, Brett Berard has been called up and is expected to make his season debut for the Blueshirts.

Player to Watch: Brett Berard

The moment so many people have been waiting for is finally here: Brett Berard is making his season debut. Berard will be on the third line with Noah Laba and Conor Sheary. In 35 games last season, Berard netted six goals and notched four assists in a similar third-line role. While getting top minutes in Hartford, he has two goals and seven assists.

Berard seems like the exact middle six player head coach Mike Sullivan wants on his team. He brings a constant motor, is relentless on the forecheck, and never shies away from getting in the dirty areas. Another one of the kids gets a shot, and hopefully he makes the most of it.

Enjoy the game!